From LaBelle, Florida for Hendry and Glades County and the Lake Okeechobee region. Don Browne, editor.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Hendry Sheriff Whidden Arrests Trio For Burglary

Home Invasion / Robbery and Burglary Suspects Arrested

LABELLE, FL. -- Three teenagers were arrested by the Hendry County Sheriff's office in LaBelle on charges of invading the home of a 67-year old, and taking a big screen TV and cell phone and additionally a burglary at the Handy Food Store on County Road 78 north of LaBelle.

At approximately 4:45 am on September 20, Deputies were dispatched to the Handy Food Store, located at 200 Old C.R. 78 after receiving a call of suspicious persons. The caller reported seeing three subjects wearing dark clothing coming from behind the Handy Store.

When deputies first arrived they found that the glass door to the store had been broken and later found a pack of cold beer lying scattered along C.R. 78.

Later deputies responded to a home invasion at 692 Palm Avenue in LaBelle. The first Deputy on scene, Deputy Clifton Green, observed one of the suspects running through the backyard and immediately gave chase along with Sheriff Steve Whidden.

Sheriff Whidden apprehended the suspect who was later identified as 17 year old Francisco Javier Bustamante. As backup units began to arrive on scene deputies set up a perimeter and with the assistance of road deputies, investigators, and Sheriff Steve Whidden.

All three suspects were located and arrested.

The 67 year old victim was found lying on the floor by the front door of her residence. She was suffering from a laceration to the forehead and to the stab wound to the forearm and was later transported for additional medical treatment.

A second victim who also resides at the same residence was able to run for help requesting assistance from a neighbor. The victims reported to deputies that the suspects took a 46” television and a cell phone during the robbery. Investigators were able to recover and return to the victims the television.

Investigators were able to determine that the same three individuals were responsible for both the burglary at the Handy Food Store as well as the home invasion.

Arrested were: 19 year old Jose Aguilar (photo above) charged with Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling, Petit Theft, and Aggravated Battery on a Person 65 years of age or Older, Kidnap – False Imprisonment, Larceny from a person 65 years of age of Older, Robbery – Home Invasion with a Weapon.

He is currently being held at the Hendry County Sheriff’s Office without Bond.

Francisco Javier Bustamante, 17 years of age, charged with Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling, Petit Theft, and Aggravated Battery on a Person 65 years of age or Older, Kidnap – False Imprisonment, Larceny from a person 65 years of age of Older, Robbery – Home Invasion with a weapon. In addition Bustamante was also charged with two additional outstanding warrants for Contempt of Court and Failure to Appear.

Bustamante is currently being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.

Sergio Gomez, 16 years of age, charged with Burglary of an Unoccupied Dwelling, Petit Theft, and Aggravated Battery on a Person 65 years of age or Older, Kidnap – False Imprisonment, Larceny from a person 65 years of age of Older, Robbery – Home Invasion with a Weapon. Deputies also arrested Gomez on an out of county warrant for charges of Aggravated Battery with a Deadly weapon and Armed Burglary.